<p>Hi there,
I am currently pledging a fraternity on campus and I am not so sure if i want to stay apart of this frat. The whole idea of a fraternity is just not for me. Any advice or some pros and cons that can help me make a decision.
Thanks</p>
<p>“The whole idea of a fraternity is just not for me.”</p>
<p>Then stop. If you are not a “frat guy”, then do NOT join a frat. Don’t do something that you do NOT want to do.</p>
<p>Here are some cons (Note: I don’t know what Frat you joining, but here is what I have learned about some)</p>
<ol>
<li> You may have to go over to the house over the weekend and clean up crap. Do you want to clean up other people’s mess?</li>
<li> You will have responsibilities to the frat. There is a high possibility that those responsibilities will consist of “this is not important” crap.</li>
<li> You may be pressured to drink.</li>
<li> You may be in a frat that promotes hazing.</li>
</ol>
<p>I would have to agree with the fact that you are questioning it, suggests that it may not be for you. However, there are many positives as well. Certainly for my husband (I’m a parent), and based on what I hear from my daughter and her male friends, it is an opportunity to make great life long friends. It is very socially oriented and provides many social opportunities. Now clearly you can create this for yourself outside a fraternity. But, it is not all bad. Like any other group, there are responsibilities you may not love but the whole package can be extremely rewarding.</p>
<p>Some things to consider:</p>
<p>You will have many opportunities in life to make friends. Fraternities are a particularly good way to make long term freindships, because you go through so much together.</p>
<p>You make a big commitment of your time and your identity to the fraternity. Is that in alignment with your goals for your UofM experience? </p>
<p>People de-pledge, and move on. If that is where you are, then do it. But consider what you are walking away from first. You will never see a social calendar as filled, but you can do UofM more on your own terms.</p>